He also checked the scripts for each episode and coached the principal actors who have to speak medieval languages – Latin, Old Spanish and High German.

He recorded passages in each language so the actors could get their accents right.

For the most demanding scenes – especially battle scenes – he talked through the action with directors to ensure that what is shown on screen followed as far as possible what is known to have happened.

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Professor Clark said: “We planned each stage of each battle – where the knights and the horses would be, etc – as if we were the real commanders and these were real troops.

“But we are well aware that many viewers will have a sharp eye for detail and it would especially disappointing for the action-scenes to be unconvincing’.

“Of course, recreating the Middle Ages as they actually were is huge challenge, even with 21st century technology and Prof Clark’s most difficult role was to say what could and could not be compromised.

He recorded passages in each language so the actors could get their accents right

“I tried hard not to be too much of a purist but I hope for those that love these books it will feel authentic.”

Professor Clark will appear as an expert on the extra bonus features when the series is released on DVD, and is writing character profiles for the show’s publicity materials.

“It’s been a fascinating project to be involved with and I am looking forward to seeing how the work we have done in each department – sets, props, costumes, script – comes together on screen”, he said.

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The show stars Jodie Comer as Elizabeth of York, Jacob Collins-Levy as King Henry VII, Michelle Fairley as Lady Margaret Beaufort and Essie Davis as Princess Elizabeth’s mother Dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, an indomitable strategist and unwavering supporter of the York cause